Certain substituted 3-(substituted oxy)-2-benzoyl-cyclohex-2-enones

ABSTRACT

A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is halogen, C 1  -C 2  alkyl, C 1  -C 2  alkoxy, nitro; cyano; C 1  14 C 2  haloalkyl, or R a  SO m  -- wherein m is 0 or 2 and R a  is C 1  -C 2  alkyl; R 1  is hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; R 2  is hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; or R 1  and R 2  together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R 3  is hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; R 4  is hydrogen or C 1  14 C 4  alkyl; or R 3  and R 4  together are oxo; R 5  is hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; R 6  is hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; or R 5  and R 6  together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R 7  and R 8  independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C 1  -C 4  alkyl; (4) C.sub. 1 -C 4  alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C 1  -C 4  haloalkyl; (9) R b  SO n  -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R b  is (a) C 1  -C 4  alkyl; (b) C 1  -C 4  alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10) --NR c  R d  wherein R c  and R d  independently are hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; (11) R e  C(O)-- wherein R e  is C 1  -C 4  alkyl or C 1  -C 4  alkoxy; (12) SO 2  NR c  R d  wherein R c  and R d  are as defined; or (13) --N(R c )C(O)R d  wherein R c  and R d  are as defined; and R 9  is (a) C 1  14 C 6  alkyl; (b) C 4  -C 6  cycloalkyl; (c) substituted C 1  -C 6  alkyl; (d) phenyl--SO 2  --; (e) substituted phenyl--SO 2  --; (f) C 1  -C 6  --alkyl--SO 2  --, optionally substituted; (g) C 1  -C 6  alkyl--C(O)--, optionally substituted; (h) phenyl--C(O)--, optionally substituted; (i) benzyl; or (h) C 3  -C 6  alkenyl.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 871,989, filed June 9, 1986 now U.S. Pat. 4,918,236.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compounds having the structural formula ##STR2## wherein R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen or alkyl are described in Chem. Pharm. Bull., 30(5), 1692-1696 (1982). No utility is taught for the compounds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to 3-(substituted oxy)-2-benzoyl-cyclohex-2-enones and their use as herbicides.

One embodiment of this invention is an herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally active 3-(substituted oxy)-2-benzoyl-cyclohex2-enone and an inert carrier therefor wherein the 2-position of the benzoyl moiety is substituted as herein recited and the 4-position preferably is substituted with an electron withdrawing group, such as halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl or nitro. The 4-, 5- and 6-positions of the cyclohex-2-enone moiety can be substituted, preferably with the groups hereinafter recited. More preferably, the cyclohex-2-enone moiety has no substitution or the 4- or 6-positions are substituted ith one or two methyl groups. The 3-, 4- and 5-positions of the benzoyl xoiety can be substituted, preferably with the groups hereinafter recited.

Also embodied within the scope of this invention are novel compounds having the following structural formula ##STR3##

R is halogen; C₁ -C₂ alkyl, preferably methyl; C₁ -C₂ alkoxy, preferably methoxy; nitro; cyano; C₁ -C₂ haloalkyl, preferably trifluoromethyl; or R^(a) SO_(m) -- wherein m is 0 or 2, preferably 2 and R^(a) is C₁ -C₂ alkyl, preferably methyl. Preferably, R is chlorine, bromine, C₁ -C₂ alkl, C₁ -C₂ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, C₁ -C₂ alkylthio or C₁ -C₂ alkylsulfonyl; more preferably chlorine, nitro, methyl, trifluoromethyl or methyl sulfonyl;

R¹ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl, most preferably R¹ is hydrogen or methyl;

R² is hydrogen; C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl, most preferably R² is hydrogen or methyl; or

R¹ and R² together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl; most preferably R³ is hydrogen or methyl;

R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl; most preferably R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl; or

R³ and R⁴ together are oxo;

R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl, more referably methyl; most preferably R⁵ is hydrogen or methyl;

R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl, most preferably R⁶ is hydrogen; or

R⁵ and R⁶ together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms;

R⁷ and R⁸ independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen, preferably chlorine, fluorine or bromine; (3) C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably methyl; (4) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, preferably methoxy; (5) trifluormethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl, more preferably trifluoromethyl; (9) R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2, preferably 2; and

R^(b) is

(a) C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably methyl;

(b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano, preferably chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl or cyanomethyl;

(c) phenyl; or

(d) benzyl;

(10) --NR^(c) R_(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl;

(11) R^(e) C(O)-- wherein R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy;

(12) --SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined;

(13) --N(R^(C))C(O)R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; and

R⁹ is

(a) C₁ -C₆ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₂ alkyl;

(b) C₄ -C₆ cycloalkyl;

(c) substituted C₁ -C₆ alkyl, preferably C₁ -C₄ alkyl wherein the substitutions are halogen, hydrogen, cyano, or carboxy;

(d) phenyl --SO₂ --;

(e) substituted henyl --SO₂ --;

(f) C₁ -C₆ -alkyl --SO₂ --, optionally substituted;

(g) C₁ -C₆ alkyl --C(O)--, optionally substituted;

(h) phenyl --C(O)--, optionally substituted;

(i) benzyl; or

(h) C₃ -C₆ alkenyl.

The term "C₁ -C₄ alkyl" includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and t-butyl. The term "halogen" includes chlorine, bromine, iodine and fluorine. The term "C₁ -C₄ alkoxy" includes methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, isobutoxy and t-butoxy. The term "C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl" includes the alkyl groups defined above under C₁ -C₄ alkyl in which one or more hydrogen is replaced by chlorine, bromine, icdine or fluorine.

Preferably R⁷ is in the 3-position. More preferably R⁷ is hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, trifluoromethyl, cyano, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, or C₁ -C₄ thioalkyl. More preferably, R⁷ is hydrogen. Preferably R⁸ is in the 4-position. Most preferably R⁸ is halogen, cyano, trifluoroethyl, or R^(b) SO₂ wherein R^(b) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, preferably methyl or C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl, preferably chloromethyl, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl.

The compounds of this invention are active herbicides of a general type. That is, they are herbicidally effective against a wide range of plant species. The method of controlling undesirable vegetation of the present invention comprises applying an herbicidally effective amount of the above-described compounds to the area where control is desired.

The compounds of the present invention may be prepared by the following two procedures. ##STR4## wherein R through R⁸ are as defined and R⁹ is (a) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (b) C_(4-C) ₆ cycloalkyl, or (c) substituted C₁ -C₆ alkyl. ##STR5## wherein R through R⁸ are as defined and R⁹ is (d) phenyl--SO₂ --; (e) substituted phenyl--SO₂ --; (f) C₁ -C₄ -alkyl --SO₂ --; (g) C₁ -C₄ alkyl --C(O)--; or (h) phenyl--C(O)--.

Generally in procedure (a), the benzoyl dione is dissolved in an inert solvent such as ether or tetrahydrofuran, nd an excess of diazoalkane, usually 100 to 1000 mole percent, is added and the resulting solution stirred from one hour to one day at room temperature or below. The product is isolated using conventional techniques.

Generally in procedure (b), the benzoyl dione is dissolved in an inert solvent such as ether or methylene chloride and a slight molar excess of an acid chloride and an equivalent amount of pyridine are added and the solution stirred for 24 hours. The product is isolated using conventional techniques.

The precursor benzoyl diones can be prepared by the following two-step general method.

The process proceeds via the production of an enol ester intermediate as shown in reaction (1). The final product is obtained by rearrangement of the enol ester as shown in reaction (2). The two reactions may be conducted as separated steps by isolation and recovery of the enol ester using conventional techniques prior to conducting step (2), or by addition of a cyanide source to the reaction medium after the formation of the enol ester, or in one step by incluson of the cyanide source at the start of reaction (1). ##STR6## wherein R through R⁸ are as defined and the moderate base is as defined, preferably tri-C₁ -C₆ alkylamine, alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal phosphate.

Generally, in step (1) amounts of the dione and substituted benzoyl reactant are used, along with a mole amount or excess of the base. The two reactants are combined in an organic solvent such as methylene chloride, toluene, ethyl acetate or dimethylformamide. The base or benzoyl reactant preferably is added to the reaction mixture with cooling. The mixture is stirred at 0° C.-50° C. until the reaction is substantially complete.

The reaction product is worked up by conventional techniques. ##STR7##

Generally, in step (2) a mole of the enol ester intermediate is reacted with 1 to 4 moles of the base, preferably about 2 moles of moderate base and from 0.01 mole to about 0.5 mole or higher, preferably about 0.1 mole of the cyanide source (e.g., potassium cyanide or acetone cyanohydrin). The mixture is stirred in a reaction pot until the rearrangement is substantially complete at a temperature below 80° C., preferably about 20° C. to about 40° C., and the desired product is recovered by conventional techniques.

The term "cyanide source" refers to a substance or substances which under the rearrangement conditions consists of or generates hydrogen cyanide and/or cyanide anion.

The process is conducted in the presence of a catalytic amount of a source of cyanide anion and/or hydrogen cyanide, together with a molar excess, with respect to the enol ester, of a moderate base.

Preferred cyanide sources are alkali metal cyanides such as sodium and potassium cyanide; cyanohydrins of methyl alkyl ketones having from 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups, such as acetone or methyl isobutyl ketone cyanohydrins; cyanohydrins of benzaldehyde or of C₂ -C₅ aliphatic aldehydes such as acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, etc., cyanohydrins; zinc cyanide; tri(lower alkyl) silyl cyanides, notably triethyl silyl cyanide; and hydrogen cyanide itself. Hydrogen cyanide is considered most advantageous as it roduces relatively rapid reaction and is inexpensive. Among cyanohydrins the preferred cyanide source is acetone cyanohydrin.

The cyanide source is used in an amount up to about 50 mole percent based on the enol ester. It may be used in as little as about 1 mole percent to produce an acceptable rate of reaction at about 40° C. on a small scale. Larger scale reactions give ore reproducible results with slightly higher catalyst levels of about 2 mole percent. Generally about 1-10 mole % of the cyanide source is preferred.

The process is conducted with a molar excess, with respect to the enol ester, of a moderate base. By the term "moderate base" is meant a substance which acts as a base yet whose strength or activity as a base lies between that of strong bases such as hydroxides (which could cause hydrolysis of the enol ester) and that of weak bases such as bicarbonates (which would not function effectively). Moderate bases suitable for use in this embodident include both organic bases such as tertiary amines and inorganic bases such as alkali metal carbonates and phosphates. Suitable tertiary amines include trialkylaines such as triethylaine. Suitable inorganic bases include potassium carbonate and trisodium phosphate.

The base is used in an amount of from about 1 to about 4 moles per mole of enol ester, preferably about 2 moles per mole.

When the cyanide source is an alkali metal cyanide, particularly potassium cyanide, a phase transfer catalyst may be included in the reaction. Particularly suitable phase transfer catalysts are the Crown ethers.

A number of different solvents are useful in this process, depending on the nature of the acid chloride or the acylated product. A preferred solvent for this reaction is 1,2-dichloroethane. Other solvents which may be employed, depending on the reactants or products include toluene, acetonitrile, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, dimethylformamide, and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK).

In general, depending on the nature of the reactants and the cyanide source, the rearrangement may be conducted at temperatures up to about 50° C.

The above described substituted benzoyl chlorides can be prepared from the corresponding substituted benzoic acids according to the teaching of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Vol. I, L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, pp. 767-769 (1967). ##STR8## wherein R, R⁷ and R⁸ are as previously defined.

The substituted benzoic acids can be prepared by a wide variety of general methods according to the teaching of The Chemistry of Carboxylic Acids and Esters, S. Patai, editor, J. Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y. (1969) and Survey of Organic Synthesis, C. A. Buehler and D. F. Pearson, J. Wiley and Sons, (1970).

The following are four representative examples of the methods described therein. ##STR9## wherein R, R⁷ and R⁸ are as previously defined.

In reaction (a) the substituted benzonitrile is heated to reflux in aqueous sulfuric acid for several hours. The mixture is cooled and the reaction product is isolated by conventional techniques. ##STR10## wherein R, R⁷ and R⁸ are as previously defined.

In reaction (b) the substituted acetophenone is heated to reflux for several hours in an aqueous hypochlorite solution. The mixture is cooled and the reaction product is isolated by conventional techniques. ##STR11## wherein R, R⁷ and R⁸ are as defined and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine.

The substituted aromatic halide is allowed to react with magnesium in a solvent such as ether. The solution is then poured over crushed dry ice and the benzoic acid is isolated by conventional techniques.

The following examples teach the synthesis of representative compounds of this invention.

EXMPLE I 3-Acetoxy-2-(2,4-dichlorobenzcoyl)cyclohex-2-enone ##STR12##

2-(2,4Dichlorobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (11.4 g, 0.04 mol), acetyl chloride (3.15 g, 0.041 mol) and pyridine (3.2 g, 0.041 mol) were mixed in 100 ml ether and stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure, and water and CH₂ Cl₂ were added. The organic layer was then washed three times each with 1 N HCl and then 5% Na₂ CO₃, dried with MgSO₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the product, 8.4 g, 64%. The structure was confirmed as such by nuclear magnetic, infrared and mass spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE II 3-Methoxy-2-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)cyclohex-2-enone ##STR13##

2-(2,4-Dichlorobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (2.85 g, 0.01 ml) was stirred as a suspension in 25 ml anhydrous ether. Diazomethane, generated from Diazald™ (50 ml, 0.02 mol) was added at 0° at a rate slow enough to control effervescence. The resulting solution was stirred for an hour and the solvent allowed to evaporated under a stream of nitrogen in a beaker. The resulting oil was dissolved in ether and washed twice with saturated aqueous K₂ CO₃. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure yielded a solid (1.0 g, 35%, m.p. 81°-86° C.), the nuclear magnetic, infrared and mass spectra of which were consistent with the structure.

The following is a table of certain selected compounds that are preparable according to the procedure described herein. Compound numbers are assigned to each compound and are used throughout the remainder of the application.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR14##                                                                     Comp.                                                                          No. R  R.sup.1                                                                          R.sup.2                                                                          R.sup.3                                                                          R.sup.4                                                                          R.sup.5                                                                          R.sup.6                                                                          R.sup.7                                                                          R.sup.8                                                                           R.sup.9      m.p. °C.                           __________________________________________________________________________     1   Cl H H H H H H H 4-Cl                                                                              CH.sub.3 C(O)                                                                               oil                                       2   Cl H H H H H H H 4-Cl                                                                               ##STR15##   oil                                       3   Cl H H H H H H H 4-Cl                                                                              t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 C(O)                                                                      oil                                       4   Cl H H H H H H H 4-Cl                                                                              CH.sub.3     81-86                                     5   NO.sub. 2                                                                         H H H H H H H H  CH.sub.3     oil                                       6   Cl H H H H H H H 4-Cl                                                                               ##STR16##   oil                                       __________________________________________________________________________

Herbicidal Screening Tests

As previously mentioned, the herein described compounds produced in the above-described manner are phytotoxic compounds which are useful and valuable in controlling various plant species. Selected compounds of this invention were tested as herbicides in the following manner.

Pre-emergence herbicide test. On the day preceding treatment, seeds of seven different weed species are planted in loamy sand soil in individual rows using one species per row across the width of a flat. The weeds used are green foxtail (FT) (Setaria viridis), watergrass (WG) (Echinochloa crusgalli), wild oat (WO) (Avena fatua), annual morningglory (AMG) (Ipomoea lacunosa), velvetleaf (VL) (Abutilon theophrasti), Indian mustard (MD) (Brassica juncea) and yellow nutsedge (YNS) (Cyperus esculentus). Ample seeds are planted to give about 20 to 40 seedlings per row, after emergence, depending upon the size of the plants.

Using an analytical balance, 600 milligrams (mg) of the compound to be tested are weighed out on a piece of glassine weighing paper. The paper and compound are laced in a 60 milliliter (ml) wide-mouth clear bottle and dissolved in 45 ml of acetone or substituted solvent. Eighteen ml of this solution are transferred to a 60 ml wide-mouth clear bottle and diluted with 22 ml of a water and acetone mixture (19:1) containing enough polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate emulsifier to give a final solution of 0.5% (v/v). The solution is then sprayed on a seeded flat on a linear ray table calibrated to deliver 80 gallons per acre (748 L/ha). The application rate is 4 lb/acre (4.48 Kg/ha).

After treatment, the flats are placed in the greenhouse at a temperature of 70° to 80° F. and watered by shrinking. Two weeks after treatment, the degree of injury or control is determined by comparison with untreated check plants of the same age. The injury rating from 0 to 100% is recorded for each species as percent control with 0% representing no injury and 100% representing complete control. The results of the tests are sown in the following Table II.

                  TABLE II                                                         ______________________________________                                         Pre-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                              Applicaton Rate - 4.48 kg/ha                                                   Cmpd.                                                                          No.    FT     WG      WO   AMG    VL   MD    YNS                               ______________________________________                                         1      10     100     20   35     100   30   95                                2      10     --      10   35     100   45   85                                3      90     --      10   15     100   90   90                                4      100    100     85   100    100  100   80                                5      100    100     100  90     100  100   80                                6      98     100      0   100    100  100   80                                ______________________________________                                          (--) = Not tested.                                                       

Post-Emergence Herbicide Test: This test is conducted in an identical manner to the testing procedure for the pre-emergence herbicide test, except the seeds of the seven different weed species are planted 10-12 days before treatment. Also, watering of the treated flats is confined to the soil surface and not to the foliage of the sprouted plants.

The results of the post-emergence herbicide test are reported in Table III.

                  TABLE III                                                        ______________________________________                                         Post-Emergence Herbicdal Activity                                              Applicaton Rate - 4.48 kg/ha                                                   Cmpd.                                                                          No.    FT     WG      WO   AMG    VL   MD    YNS                               ______________________________________                                         1      85      95     45   100    100  100   90                                2      100    100     40   95     100   98   90                                3      95     100     40   100    100  100   90                                4      60      85     80   90     100  100   50                                5      90      85     40   20      90   90   30                                6      95     100     90   90     100   95   40                                ______________________________________                                    

The compounds of the present invention are useful as herbicides and can be applied in a variety of ways at various concentrations. In practice, the compounds herein defined are formula into herbicidal co positions, by admixture, in herbicidally effective amounts, with the adjuvants and carriers normally employed for facilitating the dispersion of active ingredients for agricultural applications, recognizing the fact that the formulation and mode of application of a toxicant may affect the activity of the materials in a given application. Thus, these active herbicidal compounds may be formulated as granules of relatively large particle size, as wettable powders, as emulsifiable concentrates, as powdery dusts, as flowables, as solutions or as any of several other known types of formulations, depending upon the desired mode of application. These formulations may contain as little as about 0.5% to as much as about 95% or more by weight of active ingredient. An herbicidally effective amount depends upon the nature of the seeds or plants to be controlled and the rate of application varies from about 0.01 to approximately 10 pounds per acre, preferably from about 0.02 to about 4 pounds acre.

Wettable powders are in the for of finely divided particles which disperse readily in water or other dispersants. The wettable powder is ultimately applied to the soil either as a dry dust or as a dispersion in water or other liquid. Typical carriers for wettatle powders include fuller's earth, kaolin clays, silicas and other readily wet organic or inorganic diluents. Wettable powders normally are prepared to contain about 5% to about 95% of the active ingredient and usually also contain a small amount of wetting, dispersing, or emulsify agent to facilitate wetting and dispersion.

Emulsifiable concentrates are homogeneous liquid compositions which are dispersible in water or other dispersant, and may consist entirely of the active compound with a liquid or solid emulsifying agent, or may also contain a liquid carrier, such as xylene, heavy aromatic naphthal, isophorone and other non-volatile organic solvents. For herbicidal application, these concentrates are dispersed in water or other liquid carrier and normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated. The percentage by weight of the essential active ingredient may vary according to the manner in which the composition is to be applied, but in comprises about 0.5% to 95% of active ingredient by weight of the herbicidal composition.

Granular formulations wherein the toxicant is carried on relatively coarse particles, are usually applied without dilution to the area in which suppression of vegetation is desired. Typical carriers for granular formulations include sand, fuller's earth, attapulgite clay, bentonite clays, montmorillonite clay, vermiculite, perlite and other organic or inorganic materials which absorb or which may be coated with the toxicant. Granular formulations normally are prepared to contain bout 5% to about 25% of active ingredients which may include surface-active agents such heavy aromatic naphthas, kerosene or other petroleum fractions, or vegetable oils; an/or stickers such as dextrins, glue or synthetic resins.

Typical wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agents used in agricultural formulations include, for example, the alkyl and alkylaryl sulfonates and sulfates and their salts; polyhydric alcohols; polyethoxylated alcohols; esters and fatty amines; and other types of surface-active agents, many of which are available in commerce. The surface-active agent, when used, normally comprises from 0.1% to 15% by weight of the herbicidal composition.

Dusts, which are free-flowing admixtures of the active ingredient with finely divided solids such as talc, clays, flours and other organic and inorganic solids which act as dispersants and carriers for the toxicant, are useful formulations for soil-incorporating application.

Pastes, which are homogeneous suspensions of a finely divided solid toxicant in a liquid carrier such as water or oil, are employed for specific purposes. These formulations normally contain about 5% to about 95% of active ingredient by weight, and may also contain small amounts of a wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agent to facilitate dispersion. For application, the pastes are normally diluted and applied as a spray to the area to be affected.

Other useful formulations for herbicidal applications include simple solutions of the active ingredient in a dispersant in which it is completely soluble at the desired concentration, such as acetone, alkylated naphthalenes, xylene and other organic solvents. Pressurized sprays, typically aerosols, wherein the active ingredient is dispersed in finelydivided form as a result of vaporizaton of a low boiling dispersant solvent carrier, such as the Freons, may also be used.

The phytotoxic compositions of this invention can be applied to the plants in the conventional manner. Thus, the dust and liquid compositions can be applied to the plant by the use of power-dusters, boom and hand sprayers and spray dusters. The compositions can also be applied from airplanes as a dust or a spray or by roe wick applicatons because they are effective in very low dosages. In order to modify or control growth of germinating seeds or emerging seedlings, as a typical example, the dust and liquid compositions can be applied to the soil according to conventional methods and can be distributed in the soil to a depth of at least 1/2 inch below the soil surface. It is not necessary that the phytotoxic compositions be mechanically admixed with the soil particles since these compositions can also be applied merely by spraying or sprinkling the surface of the soil. The phytotoxic compositions of this invention can also be applied by addition to irrigation water supplied to the field to be treated. This method of application permits the penetration of the compositions into the soil as the water is absorbed therein. Dust compositions, granular compositions or liquid formulations applied to the surface of the soil can be distributed below the surface of the soil by conventional means such as discing, dragging or mixing operations.

    ______________________________________                                         General Formula                                                                with Ranges        Specific Formula                                            ______________________________________                                          EMULSIFIABLE CONCENTRATE FORMULATIONS                                         ______________________________________                                         Herbicidal compound                                                                         5-55      herbicidal    24                                        surfactant(s)                                                                               5-25      compound      10                                        solvent(s)   20-90     proprietary blend of                                                                         10                                                     100%      oil-soluble                                                                    sulfonates and                                                                 polyoxyethylene                                                                ethers                                                                         polar solvent 27                                                               petroleum hydro-                                                                             39                                                               carbon                                                                                       100%                                      ______________________________________                                         WETTABLE POWDER FORMULATIONS                                                   ______________________________________                                         herbicdal compound                                                                          3-90      herbicidal    80                                        wetting agent                                                                               0.5-2     compound                                                dispersing agent                                                                            1-8       sodium dialkyl                                                                               0.5                                       diluent(s)   8.5-87    naphthalene                                                          100%      sulfonate                                                                      sodium        7                                                                lignosulfonate                                                                 attapulgite clay                                                                             12.5                                                                           100%                                      ______________________________________                                         EXTRUDED GRANULAR FORMULATIONS                                                 ______________________________________                                         herbicidal compound                                                                         1-20      herbicidal    10                                        binding agent                                                                               0-10      compound                                                diluent(s)   70-99     lignin sulfonate                                                                             5                                                      100%      calcium carbonate                                                                            85                                                                             100%                                      ______________________________________                                         FLOWABLE FORMULATIONS                                                          ______________________________________                                         herbicidal compound                                                                         20-70     herbicidal    45                                        surfactant(s)                                                                               1-10      compound                                                suspending agent(s)                                                                         0.05-1    polyoxyethylene                                                                              5                                         antifreeze agent                                                                            1-10      ether                                                   antimicrobial agent                                                                         1-10      attagel       0.05                                      antifoam agent                                                                              0.1-1     propylene glycol                                                                             10                                        solvent      7.95-77.85                                                                               1,2-benzisothiazo-                                                                           0.03                                                   100%      line-3-one                                                                     silicone defoamer                                                                            0.02                                                             water         39.9                                                                           100%                                      ______________________________________                                    

The phytotoxic compositions of this invention can also contain other additives, for example, fertilizers, other herbicides and other pesticides, used as adjuvant or in combination with any of the above-described adjuvants. Fertilizers useful in combination with the active ingredients include, for example, ammonium nitrate, urea and superphosphate. 

What is claimed is:
 1. The method of controlling undesirable vegetation comprising applying to the area where control is desired, an herbicidally effective amount of a compound having the formula ##STR17## wherein R is halogen, C₁ -C₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₂ alkoxy, nitro; cyano; C₁ -C₂ haloalkyl, or R^(a) SO_(m) -- wherein m is 0 or 2 and R^(a) is C₁ -C₂ alkyl;R¹ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R² is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or R¹ and R² together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl;or R³ and R⁴ together are oxo; R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or R⁵ and R⁶ together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R⁷ and R⁸ independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (4) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl; (9) R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R^(b) is (a) C₁ -C₄ alkl; (b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10) --NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkl; (11) R^(e) C(O)-- wherein R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (12) SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; or (13) --N(R^(c))C(O)R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; and R⁹ is (a) C₁ -C₆ alkyl; (b) C₄ -C₆ cycloalkyl; (c) substituted C₁ -C₆ alkyl; (d) phenyl--SO₂ --; (e) substituted phenyl--SO₂ --; (f) C₁ -C₆ -alkyl--SOhd 2--, optionally substituted; (g) C₁ -C₆ alkyl-C(O)--, optionally substituted; (h) phenyl--C(O)--, optionally substituted; (i) benzyl; or (h) C₃ -C₆ alkenyl.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein R is chlorine, brine, C₁ -C₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₂ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, C₁ -C₂ alkylthio or C₁ -C₂ alkylsulfonyl; R¹ is hydrogen or methyl; R² is hydrogen or methyl; R³ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁵ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁶ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁷ and R⁸ independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (4) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl; (9) R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R^(b) is (a) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10) --NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (11) R^(e) C(O)-- wherein R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (12) SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; or (13) --N(R^(c))C(O)R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; and R⁹ is (a) C₁ -C₂ alkyl; (b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl--C(O)--; (c) phenyl-C(O)-- and substituted phenyl-C(O)--.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently are hydrogen; chlorine; fluorine; bromine; methyl; methoxy; trifluoromethoxy; cyano; nitro; trifluoromethyl; R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 2 and R^(b) is methyl, chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, cyanomethyl, ethyl, or n-propyl; --NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R^(e) C(O)-- where R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined and R⁷ is in the 3-position.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein R⁷ is hydrogen and R⁸ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, trifluoromethyl, cyano or R^(b) SO₂ wherein R^(b) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein R is chlorine; R¹ is hydrogen; R² is hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ is hydrogen; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁷ is hydrogen; R⁸ is 4-chlorine; and R⁹ is methyl.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein R is nitro; R¹ is hydrogen; R² is hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ is hydrogen; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁷ is hydrogen; R⁸ is hydrogen; and R⁹ is methyl.
 7. The herbicidal composition wherein the 3-(substituted oxy)-2-benzoyl-cyclohex-2-enone is a compound of the formula ##STR18## wherein R is halogen, C₁ -C₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₂ alkoxy, nitro; cyano; C₁ -C₂ haloalky or R^(a) SO_(m) -- wherein m is 0 or 2 and R^(a) is C₁ -C₂ alkyl;R¹ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R² is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or R¹ and R² together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl;or R³ and R⁴ together are oxo; R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R⁶ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or R⁵ and R⁶ together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R⁷ and R⁸ independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (4) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl; (9) R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R^(b) is (a) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10) --NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkl; (11) R^(e) C(O)-- wherein R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkl or C¹ -C⁴ alkoxy; (12) SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; or (13) --N(R^(c))C(O)R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; and R⁹ is (a) C₁ -C₆ alkyl; (b) C₄ -C₆ cycloalkyl; (c) substituted C₁ -C₆ alkyl; (d) phenyl--SO₂ ; (e) substituted phenyl--SO₂ --; (f) C₁ -C₆ -alkyl --SO₂ --, optionally substituted; (g) C₁ -C₆ alkyl--C(O)--, optionally substituted; (h) phenyl--C(O)--, optionally substituted; (i) benzyl; or (h) C₃ -C₆ alkenyl and additionally comprising an inert carrier therefor.
 8. The compositions of claim 7 wherein R is chlorine, bromine, C₁ -C₂ alkyl, C₁ -C₂ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, C₁ -C₂ alkylthio or C₁ -C₂ alkylsulfonyl; R¹ is hydrogen or methyl; R² is hydrogen or methyl; R³ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁵ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁶ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁷ and R⁸ independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (4) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano: (7) nitro; (8) C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl; (9) R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2: and R^(b) is (a) C₁ -C₄ alkyl: (b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl substituted with halogen or cyano; (c) Phenyl; or (d) benzyl; (10) --NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; (11) R^(e) C(O)-- wherein R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; (12) SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; or (13) --N(R^(c))C(O)R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined; and R⁹ is (a) C₁ -C₂ alkl; (b) C₁ -C₄ alkyl--C(O)--; (c) phenyl --C(O)-- and substituted phenyl--C(O)--.
 9. The compositions of claim 7 wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently are hydrogen; chlorine; fluorine; bromine; methyl; methoxy; trifluoromethoxy; cyano; nitro; trifluoromethyl; R^(b) SO_(n) -- wherein n is the integer 2 and R^(b) is methyl, chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, cyanomethyl, ethyl, or n-propyl; --NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) independently are hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R^(e) C(O)-- where R^(e) is C₁ -C₄ alkl or SO₂ NR^(c) R^(d) wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are as defined and R⁷ is in the 3-position.
 10. The composition of claim 7 wherein R⁷ is hydrogen and R⁸ is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, trifluoromethyl, cyano or R^(b) SO₂ wherein R^(b) is C₁ -C₄ alkyl.
 11. The composition of claim 7 wherein R is chlorine; R¹ is hydrogen; R² is hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ is hydrogen; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁷ is hydrogen; R⁸ is 4-chlorine; and R⁹ is methyl.
 12. The composition of claim 7 wherein R is nitro; R¹ is hydrogen; R² is hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen; R⁴ is hydrogen; R⁵ is hydrogen; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁷ is hydrogen; R⁸ is hydrogen; and R⁹ is methyl. 